Here’s the clean, up-to-date way to move your Airtel number to an eSIM (India). Pick either the Airtel Thanks app flow (recommended) or the classic SMS flow.

0) Quick prep

• Check your phone supports eSIM: on the device, dial *#06# and look for an EID (or find EID in Settings › About). (Airtel)
• Have reliable Wi-Fi/data and your Airtel number handy. (If your email isn’t registered with Airtel, update it via 121 or at a store.)

1) Method A — Airtel Thanks app (recommended)

1. Install/open Airtel Thanks and log in with the number you’re upgrading.
2. Home › Shortcuts › Upgrade to eSIM.
3. Choose This device (or Another device) and enter your 32-digit EID when asked.
4. Verify the OTP, then complete the short confirmation call from Airtel.
5. After Airtel processes it (about ~2 hours), download/configure the eSIM from your phone’s settings (steps below). (Airtel)

2) Method B — SMS (QR-code email route)

1. From your Airtel phone, SMS:
   eSIM<your registered email> to 121.
2. When 121 replies, reply with “1” within 60 seconds to confirm.
3. You’ll get a confirmation call and then a QR code is emailed to you.
4. On the target phone, go to eSIM settings and scan that QR to install; activation typically completes in ~2 hours. (Airtel)

3) Configure on your phone (after your request is approved)

• iPhone: Settings › Mobile/Cellular Data › Add eSIM (or tap Finish Setting Up Mobile Service) and follow prompts / scan QR. (Airtel)
• Google Pixel / Motorola: Settings › Network & Internet › + (next to Mobile network) › Download a SIM and follow prompts (or scan QR). (Airtel)
• Samsung: Settings › Connections › SIM Manager › Add eSIM and proceed (or scan QR). (Airtel)

Important notes (read this)

• SMS (including OTPs) is barred for 24 hours after the SIM change completes—plan banking/UPI logins accordingly. (Airtel)
• Don’t delete the eSIM profile after install, and restart the phone once the eSIM is active. (Airtel)
• In the SMS/QR route, your physical SIM generally stays active until the eSIM profile is downloaded/activated. (Airtel)

If something goes wrong

• Airtel lists circle-specific fallback SMS codes (e.g., NESIM for prepaid or NOSIM for postpaid) and other tips on its site; see their eSIM help/blog guidance. (Airtel)
• For issues while abroad: Airtel eSIM help line +91 99100 99100. (Airtel)

If you tell me your phone model (iPhone/Pixel/Samsung/etc.) and whether your number is prepaid or postpaid, I can tailor the exact screens and any circle-specific tips.

If you have an iPhone 17 (single physical SIM + eSIM support), here’s how it works:

• 1 physical nano-SIM slot (for a regular SIM card).
• 1 eSIM capability, which can store multiple eSIM profiles, but only one eSIM can be active at a time (some models support dual active eSIMs, but with your description — 1 SIM slot + eSIM — it’s typically one at a time).

👉 So in total, you can keep 2 SIMs active simultaneously:

• 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM (both active at the same time).

However:

• You can store multiple eSIM profiles (5–8 depending on region/carrier support), but you must switch between them. Only one eSIM profile can be active alongside the physical SIM.

🔑 In short: Maximum 2 active SIMs at once (Dual SIM: 1 nano-SIM + 1 eSIM).

Do you want me to also check if Apple has expanded iPhone 17 support for dual active eSIMs (no physical SIM at all), since in the U.S. some models are already eSIM-only?

Yes, exactly 👍

On an iPhone like the one you described (1 physical SIM + eSIM support):

• You can add multiple eSIM profiles to your phone (usually 5–8 depending on region and carrier).
• But at any given time, the phone will allow only 2 lines to be active simultaneously.
  • 1 nano-SIM (physical) + 1 eSIM
  • OR (if Apple allows on your model) 2 eSIMs active together.
• The other eSIM profiles stay saved on your phone, and you can turn them on/off or switch between them in Settings without needing to scan QR codes again.

So yes — you can keep many numbers loaded on the device, but only two active at once, and you can toggle the rest whenever you need.

On Android phones, the situation is a bit more flexible but it depends on the brand and model. Here’s the general rule:

📱 Android Dual SIM + eSIM (most common in 2024–25)

• Many Android flagships (Samsung Galaxy S series, Pixel, etc.) have:
  • 2 physical SIM slots (sometimes hybrid with microSD).
  • eSIM support.

👉 In those models, you can usually keep 2 SIMs active at the same time (dual standby). Some newer ones support 3 active (2 eSIM + 1 physical) but it varies.

✅ What’s possible:

• Multiple eSIM profiles stored (5–10 depending on brand).
• Only one or two eSIMs can be active at once (brand dependent).
• You can switch between stored eSIMs in settings (same as iPhone).
• Some phones (like Pixel 8/9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra) support Dual Active eSIMs → meaning you don’t need a physical SIM at all and can run 2 eSIMs together.

🔑 Differences from iPhone:

• iPhone: Only 2 active lines at once (1 physical + 1 eSIM, or 2 eSIMs in newer US-only models).
• Android:
  • Entry/mid phones → usually 2 active SIMs total (either 2 physical, or 1 physical + 1 eSIM).
  • High-end phones → some allow 3 active lines (rare, e.g., dual eSIM + physical).
  • Much wider variation depending on manufacturer.

⚡ Example:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra → can run 2 active eSIMs OR 1 physical + 1 eSIM.
• Google Pixel 9 → supports 2 active eSIMs simultaneously.
• Mid-range Xiaomi/OnePlus → usually only dual SIM active (physical + eSIM or 2 physical).